Tails for the Urban Cyclist

It finally happened. That resplendent moment each year when the temperature warms ever so slightly, the sun feels warm on our face, and we remember why the hell we live in Chicago in the first place: a blessed day of spring weather descends with the promise of more to come. Moods perk up, birds chirp, and I actually consider hopping on my bike.

My focus this week remains on something infinitely less threatening and far easier to impact: my helmet hair. I realize this is a courageous choice, but someone needs to address it! We, or someone we know deals with it in silence, harboring feelings of shame, defensiveness, and sadness. Let’s bring it out in the open!

While there is no universal solution for this dilemma, I discovered a few products that help manage you (and your hair) through the dreaded helmet hair aftermath. (Not to mention – each of these products comes in handy for everyday use.)

Beach Texturizers: Most of us perspire when we bike, which causes our pesky cowlicks to rise up. For a short to medium hair lengths, carry a travel size beach spray with you to apply when you reach your destination. These products start where the natural outdoors left off! My faves are: Davines No. 14 Sea Salt Primer for Wizards and Kevin Murphy’s Hair Resort Beach Texturizer. (Make sure to get the gel form!) You can find the Kevin Murphy travel size (1.4 ounce) at Bravco.

Humidly Blockers: Does your hair resemble a fully bloomed chia pet when you remove your helmet? Skip the texturizing sprays and invest in Living Proof’s Frizzline. I adore all of Living Proof’s hair products, and there is no line out there better for women who battle frizz from heat and friction. If you are new to Living Proof, give the Frizz Travel Kit a try. You receive travel sizes of the Frizz shampoo, conditioner, and styling cream, plus a bonus sample of the leave-in conditioner.

Tails and Braids For longer hair, consider letting your inner-child out to play! Side ponytails and quirky pig tales fit the playfulness of a biking mood. Braid your ponies if you struggle with tangles and knots post ride. Before you pony or braid, rub a small amount of Ojon’s Damage Reverse Instant Restorative Hair Serum through your hair – it protects your hair as you happily traverse your bike path.

AND, lest we forget…. let me reinforce two things before your ride: 1.) Wear sunscreen and ALWAYS wear a helmet no matter what havoc it wreaks on your hair. Better safe than dead.

About the Author

Katherine Toll

Katherine (Kathi) Toll possesses more than 20 years of management and consulting experience within the retail and beauty industry. Her industry experience combined with her special brand of irreverence fuels her mission to find the ‘must-have’ beauty products for Career Girls of all ages. She aspires to remind women the airbrushed perfection of the beauty industry must be tempered with a healthy dose of humor.
Kathi holds a general management certification from Northwestern’s Kellogg School of Management, along with an undergraduate degree from Northwestern’s School of Communications.